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Compact, Miniature MMIC Receiver Modules for an MMIC Array SpectrographA single-pixel prototype of a W-band detector module with a digital back-end was developed to serve as a building block for large focal-plane arrays of monolithic millimeter-wave integrated circuit (MMIC) detectors. The module uses low-noise amplifiers, diode-based mixers, and a WR10 waveguide input with a coaxial local oscillator. State-of-the-art InP HEMT (high electron mobility transistor) MMIC amplifiers at the front end provide approximately 40 dB of gain. The measured noise temperature of the module, at an ambient temperature of 300 K, was found to be as low as 450 K at 95 GHz. The modules will be used to develop multiple instruments for astrophysics radio telescopes, both on the ground and in space. The prototype is being used by Stanford University to characterize noise performance at cryogenic temperatures. The goal is to achieve a 30-50 K noise temperature around 90 GHz when cooled to a 20 K ambient temperature. Further developments include characterization of the IF in-phase (I) and quadrature (Q) signals as a function of frequency to check amplitude and phase; replacing the InP low-noise amplifiers with state-of-the-art 35-nm-gate-length NGC low-noise amplifiers; interfacing the front-end module with a digital back-end spectrometer; and developing a scheme for local oscillator and IF distribution in a future array. While this MMIC is being developed for use in radio astronomy, it has the potential for use in other industries. Applications include automotive radar (both transmitters and receivers), communication links, radar systems for collision avoidance, production monitors, ground-penetrating sensors, and wireless personal networks.
Document ID
20090041759
Acquisition Source
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Document Type
Other - NASA Tech Brief
Authors
Kangaslahti, Pekka P.
(California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Gaier, Todd C.
(California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Cooperrider, Joelle T.
(California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Samoska, Lorene A.
(California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Soria, Mary M.
(California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
ODwyer, Ian J.
(California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Weinreb, Sander
(California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Custodero, Brian
(California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Owen, Heahter
(California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Grainge, Keith
(Cambridge Univ. United Kingdom)
Church, Sarah
(Stanford Univ. CA, United States)
Lai, Richard
(Northrop Grumman Corp. United States)
Mei, Xiaobing
(Northrop Grumman Corp. United States)
Date Acquired
August 24, 2013
Publication Date
December 1, 2009
Publication Information
Publication: NASA Tech Briefs, December 2009
Subject Category
Man/System Technology And Life Support
Report/Patent Number
NPO-46522
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.
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